Texas has become the first state to equip law enforcement helicopters with drone detection technology, marking a significant advancement in aerial safety.
The Department of Public Safety deployed its Airborne Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (ACUS) in August, giving pilots real-time alerts about potentially hostile drones during missions.
The technology addresses growing concerns about drone misuse as unmanned aircraft become increasingly common across American airspace. DPS helicopters now carry equipment that can pinpoint both drone locations and their operators on the ground.
“As drone use continues to evolve and expand across the country, so does the potential for these devices to be misused in ways that threaten public safety and law enforcement operations,” said Stacy Holland, Chief Pilot of DPS’ Aircraft Operations Division. “Integrating ACUS into our aviation fleet gives us the ability to quickly detect, identify and avoid hostile or unauthorized drones — protecting our aircrews, ground personnel and the communities we serve.”
The concern isn’t theoretical. Across the U.S., unauthorized drones have disrupted disaster relief efforts, interfered with border operations, and endangered aircraft during criminal pursuits — prompting law enforcement agencies to seek better tools for managing aerial threats.
The ACUS system acts as an early warning tool, providing real-time detection data without any enforcement action from the air.
Instead, the technology helps crews avoid collisions and alerts ground teams to potential threats. The equipment streams information to both cockpit displays and dispatch centers simultaneously.
Tactical Flight Officers underwent specialized training to interpret the system’s data during flight operations. They monitor screens showing drone positions relative to the helicopter’s path.
DPS currently operates one helicopter equipped with ACUS technology. The agency plans to evaluate its effectiveness before potentially expanding the program.
Texas now leads the nation in airborne counter-drone policing — a move likely to influence other departments facing similar aerial challenges.